Overview
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Wednesday that the mandatory three-minute breaks at the 22nd and 67th minutes are a sporting measure, that FIFA signed broadcast deals before the rule and therefore receives no additional revenue.
- The pauses are being enforced at every match and have been loudly criticised by coaches, players and fans for interrupting match rhythm and for giving managers a regular chance to give tactical instructions.
- Broadcasters in some markets have sold advertising during the stoppages, with U.S. reports of high‑value slots and at least one alleged overrun of the permitted return time, a practice FIFA says it did not profit from.
- Medical voices say three minutes may be too short for heat protection and recovery, and UEFA has signalled it will use temperature‑triggered breaks for Euro 2028 rather than FIFA’s blanket approach.
- FIFA will keep the breaks in place through the tournament and review the policy afterwards, a decision that could affect player welfare protocols, how coaches manage matches and how broadcasters package World Cup coverage.